Our pets are getting fat '“ on takeaways and alcoholic drinks

A leading animal charity highlighted statistics indicating more than five million cats, dogs and rabbits in the UK are overweight as it launched its annual pet slimming competition.

Vet charity PDSA blamed the fatty, sugary and downright dangerous treats owners are giving their four-legged friends.

Cake, chocolate, biscuits, crisps, chips, takeaway and even alcohol are among the inappropriate items served by some owners, the PDSA said.

The charity stressed that many overweight pets develop potentially life-threatening conditions such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes, as well as debilitating conditions including arthritis as a direct result of being overweight.

To help fight the flab, it has again launched its Pet Fit Club competition and has invited owners of overweight and obese pets to take part.

“Pet obesity can be tackled, and through a diet and exercise programme like Pet Fit Club we can transform fat pets into fit pets,” said PDSA Vet Vicki Larkham-Jones.

“Nearly half of pet owners believe that obesity is the biggest threat to animal welfare in the next ten years - yet pets continue to be fed unsuitable diets which is fuelling the problem.As well as being high in calories, food like takeaways, cake, cheese, chips and crisps are high in fat and sugars which are bad for our pets’ waistlines and teeth. Some owners even admitted to giving chocolate and even alcohol, both of which are poisonous to pets and can be fatal.

The PDSA highlighted the case study of Lady, the chubby Cavalier King Charles Spaniel from Belfast.Lady, who is an early entrant to this year’s slimming competition, was very thin when rescued by current owner David Palmer last year.

But 61-year-old Mr Palmer admitted he had gone too far in his efforts to build her back up to health.

The additional weight has now caused serious health implications.